Burning Bridges
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
An outfit spearheaded by Matt Parrish (vocals, guitar) and Justin Lofton (backing vocals, several instruments), Market Junction return with 10 new tracks that tell the story of a young man learning about love and its repercussions on this very thoughtful and often heartbreaking listen that illustrates an introspective and mature vision.
“When Your Heart Begins To Ache” starts the listen with heartfelt acoustic song craft that makes an immediate impact with its very moving delivery, and “Out Of Love” follows with warm keys guiding the initially bare folk song that builds into a soaring display of organic beauty.
Elsewhere, “Nebraska” flows with soothing rural melody and exceptional banjo playing, while “Western Coast” offers a bare but powerful execution of country influences. “Hello My Dear”, an album standout, then tugs on the heartstrings with meticulous and pensive songwriting.
Close to the end, “Livin’ A Lie” includes some of the most expressive singing that’s more indebted to country sounds, and the title track exits the listen with delicate Americana that’s a bit more somber.
An extremely intimate and vulnerable listen, Market Junction have admittedly taken much time trying to find their identity (they’ve been together for nearly a decade now), but Burning Bridges is the clearly the sound of a band coming into their own, and we’re all better off for it.
Travels well with: Adam Carroll- I Walked In Them Shoes; Will Stewart- County Seat